Drawing line in the sand at ocean bathing on Staten Island

Staten Island Advance/PAUL LIOTTAAt the Wolfe's Pond Park Beach, four beach goers seem to strike a compromise, cooling off by standing in the water but not fully going in.

STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. -- While many Staten Islanders enjoy basking in the sun's rays or bicycling on the boardwalk, residents in large numbers shun the saltwater.

Of 25 beachgoers who participated in an informal survey taken yesterday at Wolfe's Pond Park, Midland Beach, South Beach and the relatively new Cedar Grove Beach, only two said they'd feel comfortable going for a swim.

Nonetheless, Brooklyn resident Yan Baron emerged from the surf at Wolfe's Pond Park and described conditions as "clean and beautiful." Nor is he alone: A considerable number of off-Island bathers patronize the borough's beaches.

But the majority of those interviewed yesterday made it clear that the water worries them. "I would never actually go in it; look how dirty it is," said Courtney Faiella of Annadale at Cedar Grove.

Indeed, the beaches' reputation has preceded them. "It has a bad name," said Ryan (no last name) of Castleton Corners.

"I'm not concerned because I don't go swimming in the water," said Lauren Feasher of Pleasant Plains at Wolfe's Pond Park. "But I have noticed it's cleaner than it has been."